CBS This Morning

Teamwork transcends the field for "America's deaf team"

In our ongoing series, A More Perfect Union, we highlight how what connects us as Americans is deeper than what divides us. Sports, like football, are often great unifiers, transcending race, religion, and nationality. At Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the Bison football team is tackling lessons beyond the field.

Football is equal parts passion, dedication and teamwork but game day at Gallaudet feels different and quieter than most, reports CBS News' Jan Crawford.

The cheerleaders perform the National Anthem with no music and no singing – just hand gestures signaling "our flag was still there." And with that, the Gallaudet University Bison – "America's Deaf Team" as they call themselves – take on the Anna Maria Amcats.

"Really, it helped me become a man. Where I'm from is, like, a bad area. Jail, dead, or you sell drugs, honestly. So, when Gallaudet, like gave me a chance to like play football, I was like, 'I'm not, like, riskin' it again. I'm not,'" Taylor said.

These roommates are a testament to the power of communicating without saying a word. Witherspoon credits patience.

"And you know, we're willing to slow things down," Witherspoon said.

"We just became close," Taylor said. "Became brothers. Like, we was brothers on the football team, but like now, us three just different. We could understand each other without like, not sayin' nothin'."

Today, about 12 percent of Gallaudet students can hear. The school will likely have to continue blending these communities and redefining itself without sacrificing its cultural identity. How? Well perhaps, the football team can help pave the way.